Skill 4.5 Evaluate the credibility of scientific claims made in various forums

Skill 4.5 Evaluate the credibility of scientific claims made in various forums (e.g., the media, public debates, advertising). 

Because people often attempt to use scientific evidence in support of political or personal agendas, the ability to evaluate the credibility of scientific claims is a necessary skill In today s society. In evaluating scientific claims made in the media, public debates, and advertising, one should follow several guidelines. 

scientific, peer-reviewed journals are the most accepted source for information on scientific experiments and studies. One should carefully scrutinize any claim that does not reference peer-reviewed literature. 

Second, the media and those with an agenda to advance (advertisers, debaters, etc.) often overemphasize the certainty and importance of experimental results. One should question any scientific claim that sounds fantastical or overly certain. 

Finally, knowledge of experimental design and the scientific method is important in evaluating the credibility of studies. For example, one should look for the inclusion of control groups and the presence of data to support the given conclusions. 

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